July 2013 HerFamily

July 2013

Family Camping Bonding with Nature and Each Other

FAMILY SUCCESS STORY

The Codrs

WATCH OUT FOR

Heat Stroke

A Publication of Omaha Magazine

The besT plaCe fOr kids.

Jake, age 8 Long QT Syndrome

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child.

For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

Editor’s Letter Volume 1 • Issue 2

Summer Days, Summer Nights

PUBLISHER Todd Lemke OMAHA PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Linda Persigehl

I

HER FAMILY EDITOR Bailey Hemphill

doesn’t bother people born in the summer.

Whether or not that’s actually true, I have no idea (It’s probably not). But I like to pretend it is because summer is my favorite time of the year (and my birthday just happens to be in July). Seriously though, if I could swim and eat barbecue every day under the hot sun, I’d do it in a heartbeat. And I think plenty of other people are with me on that one.

If you’re a summer lover like me, then you’re going to enjoy our July issue of HerFamily. In this issue’s cover story, we talk about one of the best summertime experiences you can share with your family—camping. Whether you prefer the luxury of an RV or the tranquility of sleeping out in the open, we know you’ll get the “camping itch” after reading our interviews with local campers Michael Borden and Elizabeth Bullington on pg. 28!

Also featured in this issue are the Codr and Hancock families of Omaha. Jim and Emily Codr struggled with fertility issues a few years ago, but now they have their hands full with four kids. Read more about the Codrs in our “Family Success Story” on pg. 18! As for the Hancocks, well, they have their hands full, too—just with several pets. Check out the Hancocks and their little “menagerie” on pg. 38!

And, of course, we have more great advice from our contributors! Boys Town Pediatrics tackles family vacation tips; motivational speaker Jarell Roach discusses how to open up conversation with your teens about avoiding drug and alcohol spiking at parties; and Wendy Andersen with Pilates Center of Omaha has a 5-Minute Workout that will tighten you up in no time! read somewhere that heat

ASSISTANT EDITOR Chris Wolfgang EDITORIAL INTERN Peter Setter (#28) CREATIVE DIRECTOR John Gawley ART DIRECTOR Katie Anderson DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Sitzmann JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Paul Lukes CONTRIBUTORS Alexis Abel • Wendy Andersen Halston Belcastro • Bev Carlson Cindy Copich • Darcie Dingman Deb Fuller • Lisa Hardisty, M.D. Cherie Lytle • Leslie Murrell Jarell Roach • Mary Quinn VICE PRESIDENT Greg Bruns HER FAMILY ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Paige Edwards ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Gwen Lemke • Gil Cohen • Vicki Voet Sandy Besch SALES ASSOCIATES Alicia Smith Hollins • Jessica Linhart TECHNICAL ADVISOR Tyler Lemke WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Mike Brewer For a one-year subscription (12 issues), send $9.95 to

Bailey Hemphill Editor, HerFamily Magazine

P.O. Box 461208, Papillion, NE 68046-1208. www.omahapublications.com Comments? Story ideas?

Send your letter to the editor: letters@omahapublications.com Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publications. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned.

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4 HerFamily • July 2013

The information contained within HerFamily is for informational purposes only. It is not intended and should not be used to take the place of seeking professional advice, counsel or assistance. Omaha Publications makes no endorsement of and is not responsible for contributors or advertising herein. If you have concerns or questions related to your health, consult with you physician.

HerFamily is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of Omaha Publications, 402.884.2000.

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on the features

inside july 2013

9 Family Vacation Tips 13 It’s All Fun and Games Until Someone Gets Hurt 14 Youth Priorities: Not “What You Have” But “What You Do” 18 Family Success Story: The Codrs 23 Swimming Safety, Taking Precautions with Your Child 26 Light and Easy Chicken Salad 28 Cover Feature: Family Camping, Bonding with Nature and Each Other 38 The Hancock Menagerie: Two Kids and Four Pets

departments

18 columns

12 Mom on the Rocks: Home Improvement or Not 16 What’s on Your Mind? Body Image 21 Education: Finding a Summer Tutor 22 Fitness: 5-Minute Workout, Shoulder Bridge with Handweights 24 Teen Voice: Curfew 41 Auto Care: Roadside Emergency Services

10 Home: WD-40 Household Uses 11 Home Extra: Freecycle, An Easy Way to Dejunk 25 Young Hero: Audrey Hansen 27 Food: Banana Crumb Muffins and Orange Fizz 31 Fashion: Into the Woods 36 Beauty: Tattoo Removal 40 Health Extra: Watch Out for Heat Stroke 42 Moms’ Getaway: Get Your Game On! 45 Calendar of Events 46 On the Go: Hit the Trails

27

Thanks to Kim, Parker, and Ty Sitzmann for being on this issue’s cover.

Photo by Bill Sitzmann

on the cover

Family Success Story: The Codrs 18 Family Camping, Bonding with Nature and Each Other 28 Watch Out for Heat Stroke 40

July 2013

Family Camping Bonding with Nature and Each Other

FAMILY SUCCESS STORY

The Codrs

WATCH OUT FOR

Heat Stroke

22 A Publication of Omaha Magazine

6 HerFamily • July 2013

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HerFamily • July 2013 7

Summer Reading Program June 1-July 31

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Read or listen to 25 books, audiobooks, magazines or kits; OR read or listen for 10 hours. Get a prize pack for the first set of 25 items or 10 hours read and an additional drawing entry for each additional set.

Read or listen to 10 books, audiobooks or magazines (books of 300+ pages count as two). Get a prize pack for the first set of 10 items read and an additional drawing entry for each additional set.

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games parties Join us for exciting programs all summer long! For a complete listing of events and registration information, visit omahalibrary.org.

Wed | July 17 | 10:30 am W. Dale Clark Main Library Thurs | July 18 | 10:30 am Benson Branch Tues | July 23 | 10:45 am Charles B. Washington Branch Wed | July 24 | 10:15 am A.V. Sorensen Branch Thurs | July 25 | 10:30 am Milton R. Abrahams Branch

feature story by Lisa Hardisty, M.D., Boys Town Pediatrics

Family

Vacation Tips

Traveling

Discuss the travel arrangements and planned activities with your family. The anticipation of riding in an airplane or stopping to see the waterfall will keep them focused on what is to come instead of long travel times. Other travel tips include: • Bringing a reading or activity book or audio book.

• Playing a game. See who can spot the most license plates from different states or bring cards for the plane ride.

• Watching a movie. Have each child pick from a pre-selected group of movies.

• Planning stops along the way. Sightseeing can prevent restlessness and unnecessary stopping.

• Keeping busy during long layovers. Try to find the children’s play area or watch planes ascend and descend through the windows.

If you are traveling abroad, make sure to check the United States Embassy website for the country you are visiting. On the site, you will find information about required immunizations, travel advisories, and how to register your trip. It is also suggested to leave a copy of your passport back in the United States, so if your passport is lost, the information can be retrieved.

Meal Time

F

great opportunity to spend quality time together and create long-lasting memories. Get the most from your family vacation with a couple of quick tips from Boys Town Pediatrics. amily vacation is a

Packing

Make a list a couple of weeks before your vacation. Add to it as you remember items your family will need. Make sure to include: • Essential paperwork—pack plane tickets, health insurance cards, passports, and identification cards in a watertight baggie.

• First-aid kit—include Ibuprofen, sunscreen, bug spray, prescription medications, band-aids, contact solution, antiseptic, Pepto-Bismol, sewing kit, disposable wipes, etc.

• Back-up luggage—take precaution in case of lost luggage by packing a set of clothing, toiletries, and essentials in your carry-on. readonlinenow.com

All the activities your family will do will keep everyone busy but also hungry. By pre-planning your family’s meals, you will save money and keep everyone going for the whole vacation. Fuel your family’s hunger by: • Carrying along pre-packed, filling snacks.

• Bringing bottled water or a refillable drink container.

• Planning a picnic instead of eating out every meal.

• Picking out a few local treats to prevent too many sweets.

Making Memories

Make the most of your family vacation budget by booking tickets, excursions, and rentals in advance. Choose a few larger activities and leave room for free time, exploring, and relaxation. Consider free activities that include: • Hiking a trail or walking the beach.

• Swimming at the hotel pool.

• Bringing bikes and pedaling around town.

• Checking out local events and activities.

Most of all, enjoy your vacation, relax, and make memories that your family will remember for a lifetime.

HerFamily • July 2013 9

home story by Bailey Hemphill • photo by Bill Sitzmann

WD-40

Household Uses

Y

an article floating around on the internet claiming 40+ unique uses for the water-displacing spray WD-40. Well, Snopes.com—a website dedicated to debunking urban legends, myths, rumors, and misinformation—decided to follow up on this article and see if the presented tips were true.

“The WD-40 brand of spray lubricant is one of those ubiquitous products that is both found in a large percentage of households and put to a wide variety of uses (not all of them recommended by the manufacturer),” Snopes’ website says.

Snopes was able to contact the manufacturer of WD-40 to learn if these 40+ uses were legitimate. Interestingly enough, the response Snopes received back from the manufacturer included a shorter, corrected list. Still, a surprising number of tips were left on this new list. ou may have seen

10 HerFamily • July 2013

Here are the manufacturer-confirmed uses for WD-40 beyond degreasing and water displacing: • Protects silver from tarnishing • Removes road tar and grime from cars • Loosens stubborn zippers • Untangles jewelry chains • Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing • Keeps scissors working smoothly • Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and in homes • Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers • Rids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises • Lubricates tracks in home windows and makes them easier to open • Makes umbrellas easier to open and close after spraying the stem • Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles • Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans • Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling • Keeps rust from forming on saws, saw blades, and other tools • Lubricates prosthetic limbs • Keeps pigeons off of balconies (they apparently hate the smell) • Removes all traces of duct tape • Cleans and removes bugs from grills and bumpers • Displaces the moisture and allows a car to start after spraying the distributor cap • Removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor without harming the floor’s finish • Removes bug guts from the finish on cars

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home extra story by Chris Wolfgang

Freecycle

An Easy Way to Dejunk

O

daunting aspects of downsizing possessions is trying to figure out what to do with all the excess. Perhaps you don’t have a way to haul that old chest of drawers to Goodwill, or it’s not worth it to you to try to sell your broken lawnmower on Craigslist, or those unused landscaping bricks are too heavy to set out for the trash.

Freecycle just might be the answer to your downsizing dilemma. It’s an online organization devoted to keeping useable items out of landfills by giving them free of charge to people within your own community. Local groups are found in most cities across the United States (Freecycle.org states that its network includes 5,096 groups and 9,332,889 members globally, as a matter of fact). So it’s quite similar to Craigslist, except all exchanges are, well, free.

Omaha’s Freecycle group has over 11,000 members, and objects are requested and offered online daily.

“As a green-accredited professional, the whole idea of putting all these samples in a landfill was just abhorrent to me,” says Amy Boeson, an Omaha ne of the most

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interior decorator. A friend clued her into Freecycle last year, and Boeson gave a book of wallpaper samples to a guy for use as crafts in his wife’s daycare. Another batch of upholstery swatches were turned into hammocks for an animal rescue. Gazing ball stands were used as birdbaths. “When stuff started moving and I could see how it was being used, it was so awesome for me,” Boeson says.

She, herself, has only requested one thing on Freecycle: fishing poles as event décor. “It’s a fantastic way to very quickly get rid of things you don’t need and find things you don’t want to buy,” she says.

Participating in Freecycle does mean dealing with Yahoo!’s Groups feature, which is inelegantly linked to Freecycle.org. You’ll need a username and password each for both Freecycle and Yahoo!

To join the Omaha group, follow these steps (thank goodness you only have to do this once): 1. Go to freecycle.org. In the Find a Group Near You window, type in Omaha. Select Omaha from the search results, and click the Sign up/Log in button. Choose a username and password, and you’ll be taken to Omaha’s Group Info page.

2. Click Visit the Omaha group and see the posts. You’ll be taken to a Yahoo! Groups page. Click the blue Join This Group! button.

3. Log in to Yahoo! Create a Yahoo! account if you don’t already have one. If Yahoo! isn’t your normal e-mail client, you can choose to have e-mails forwarded to, say, your Gmail address instead.

4. Choose how you want to find out about new posts.

Consider opting for Web Only. Don’t forget to click Save Changes.

5. Browse posts. You can also post messages yourself and respond to other members’ posts.

Once you’ve posted an item (called an Offer), your post will go through a moderator who will make certain you’ve included essential info such as a nearby cross street (never put your address in a post). When another member e-mails you (via Freecycle…your e-mail isn’t exposed) expressing interest in that chest of drawers, you can respond with your address and let them know it’s waiting for them outside. They’ll pick it up without needing to set up a specific time and without having to meet you. All you have to do is enjoy your decluttered home and the knowledge that you’ve done your part to save the Earth.

HerFamily • July 2013 11

mom on the rocks story by Leslie Murrell

Home

Improvement or Not

I

handy person around, it’s good to point out that “I can fix that” only suggests that it’s possible. If and when it actually gets done is apparently on its own moon cycle.

It took me a few days years to convince my husband that residing the house wasn’t going to bode well for a weekend project.

Eventually, a compromise ensued: Paint the trim ourselves and hire a professional to do the siding. I mean, it’s just painting the trim, right?

How hard can that be? (Note to self: Never ever ask that question again.)

We even got the kids involved, working together and frolicking in our cost-saving family togetherness. We did a team huddle, I poured the paint, and that’s when I threw my back out. Wincing but still determined, I couldn’t lift anything. I could bend over, but getting back up wasn’t really an option. So I taped off the top half of the windows.

The kids were eerily eager to play with paint. My husband, Chris, told them to not get paint on the driveway. They must not have heard that part because there were blobs of paint strategically where only the kids had been. Sick of being nagged, the kids took refuge with video games.

Once half of all the windows on the lower level were taped, we headed up to the roof for the next round of windows. At some point in this process, Chris twisted his knee. Now, we had a back-injured grump and a fresh knee-twirked grump hoisted up on the angled roof with no comfort in sight. I kept looking over each shoulder trying to find the best way to sit down without rolling off the roof. That’s when Chris and I struck up a conversation that no doubt saved our marriage: Chris: “Maybe we should hire someone to do this?”

Me: “How much does it cost to pay someone to do this?”

Chris: “Whatever it costs, we’ll find it in the budget.”

Me: “I love you so much right now.”

Chris: “Let’s get down and go take a nap.”

And that’s how you turn a simple weekend painting project into a 20-minute Clampett’s themed re-décor on its own moon cycle.

Sidenote: I’m on the mend with physical therapy for my back. Chris’ knee seems to have been a by-product of being, ahem, older, and the rain.

We’re that old now. And our house looks better for it. f you have a

12 HerFamily • July 2013

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feature story by Jarell Roach, He That Has an Ear Presentations

It’s All Fun and Games Until Someone Gets Hurt

“I

t was just a joke .”

“We didn’t think it was going to go this far.”

“It was only supposed to be between us.” As many say, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.”

Spiking is the act of adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s food or drink without consent. Drugs such as alcohol, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid), Rohypnol, and Ketamine are the most common spiking drugs. The intent is to take advantage of another person, resulting in assault, kidnapping, robbery, or just sheer amusement. The victim typically has no clue that they are being sabotaged, and when they begin to feel the effects of the drug(s), it’s most likely too late to efficiently protect themselves. These effects include dizziness, lack of coordination, nausea, vomiting, and blackouts. The most devastating effects last for a lifetime, especially with the presence of social media, which can make any victim the center of literally thousands of viewers overnight.

Talking with our children about the risks of spiking (both from the viewpoints of the spiker and the victim) accomplishes two things. First, it gives us the opportunity to provide them with upfront wisdom and the chance to move beyond barriers of communication. Second, it provides us with the opportunity to equip our children with a skill to defend themselves or keep themselves from getting into trouble.

Think about it. There are so many things that we cannot control, but what if something of this magnitude happened, and your child was involved in it one way or the other? Nothing about the conversation makes a child or adult feel comfortable, but I would rather feel uncomfortable than choose not to readonlinenow.com

discuss the topic at all. It means so much more if you are able to say, “We crossed that bridge when we, as parents, communicated our concern with this issue.” Equipping your child (and yourself ) protects your home and the dignity that can so easily become crushed in a matter of moments.

Spending time with your children and their friends presents another opportunity to discuss spiking. Their friends can be essential in protecting them and may even act as an inhibitor to a problem on the horizon. As an Airman of the Nebraska National Guard, we use the term “wing buddy” (this is the person who has my back and holds me accountable for their back as well). By getting your children and their wing buddies together with you to communicate, you can double your defenses. Perhaps while having dinner, remind your children and their friends to never leave their food or drink unattended in group settings or to always have a trusted individual keep an eye on it if they leave.

Create the scenario and explain the process of being accountable while asking them their thoughts throughout the conversation. What they say in response can be key in connecting the missing pieces to the reality of this danger. As always, it’s a conversation worth having.

HerFamily • July 2013 13

feature story by Bev Carlson, APR, Lutheran Family Services

Youth Priorities

Not “What You Have” But “What You Do”

B

ack in my day,

all the cool kids wore alligators on their shirts.

It was an essential indicator of class status. You simply had to have the little Izod Lacoste symbol. No other animal would do. Every kid knew they needed at least one “alligator shirt” to even be on the fringes of fashion acceptance. I remember kids saving their allowances just to have that one, precious shirt. And scoffing at anyone who wore a fake. Really.

The ’80s were all about wealth and status. What you had, what you owned, where you lived—it all defined pecking order in the Teendom. There was even a popular movie, Wall Street, where the main character’s key line was “Greed is good.”

It was so accepted back then, but I think many teens today would be horrified at how much emphasis society once placed on the accumulation of “stuff.” While there will always be some level of status related to wealth, today’s teens see things much differently than we once did.

For them, it’s all about experiences. Experiences they can talk about and share on their social networks.

14 HerFamily • July 2013

Marketers know this. Archrival, based in Lincoln, is a leader in youth marketing.

Their clients include Red Bull®, Zappos®, and Adidas®. When they build campaigns geared toward teens and young adults, they know that, to be successful, they need to create an opportunity for an experience—hopefully interactive, fun, and visual. And most importantly? Something the participant can share online.

This generation grew up with the entire world at their fingertips. In just a few clicks, they see what all of their friends are doing, but they also learn about the needs in their

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PICTURE IN THE PARK communities. They can download an app that lets them donate $5 to help hungry children in another part of the world. You will not find a more hard-working group of volunteers than a group of young adults passionate about a cause. Many are introduced to volunteer work through community service requirements, where they can develop a lifelong interest in philanthropy—in time, talent, and finances.

Many young people want to do things that make a difference, especially in helping others. They want to be part of the solution.

They want to share pictures and talk about it on their social networks. And, quite frankly, it benefits their online identity, which is extremely important to this group—especially those aware that college recruiters and employers will be looking at their profiles.

It’s easy for parents to forget how committed their children can be. But it can change how we connect with our teens. My own teen expert, my 15-year-old son, agrees. “People want to have interesting stuff to share online,” he says. “That’s what they want to spend their money on, too.” Yeah, it’s nice to have the branded shirt, but it’s also okay to shop at the thrift store if it means more money to spend toward a great trip or even just a fun night out with friends.

Good parenting information to have tucked away if you are trying to “market” something to your teen. Sell them on the experience and the great photos they can share on their Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit accounts. And hey, maybe they’ll let you come along, too.

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HerFamily • July 2013 15

what’s on your mind? story by Deb Fuller, Mental Health Therapist, Real Life Counseling

Body Image

Q A

My teenage daughter is trying to diet because all of her friends are on diets.

I’m worried she’s developing an unhealthy attitude about her body, as well as food, and I don’t want her to starve herself. How can I discuss my worry with her and get her to think more positively about her body?

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Your relationship with your daughter will affect your approach. When you have a good opportunity, try mentioning to your daughter that you’ve noticed several of her friends are dieting. Ask her what she thinks or how she feels about it and give her time to answer. If she mentions feeling bad about her body, try asking how long she’s been feeling that way or if she can tell you about when it started. Pay attention, be interested in her responses, and stay neutral. If your daughter feels like you’re judging her or her friends, her defensiveness could lead to an argument, or she’ll simply be done talking.

Depending on the situation, some of the following ideas may be applicable: • If your family meals or eating habits really could use a makeover, approach it as an entire family without singling out your daughter.

• Work on body image together with your daughter, keeping each other accountable regarding negative body image statements.

• Write a note for your daughter sharing what you’re feeling. Be positive in the words you choose and let her read it on her own time.

• Affirm your daughter’s strengths and her beauty. Be specific so she knows you’re sincere.

• Avoid putting value on food. It isn’t good or bad; it’s just food. And she’s not good or bad based on what she eats.

Finally, what is YOUR attitude toward food and your body? Don’t underestimate the influence you have on your daughter. Think about how your answers to the following questions affect your daughter’s self-image, as well as your own: • Do you think and speak positively about your body?

• Are you critical of other women’s appearance or of what/how much they eat?

• When you receive a compliment regarding something appearance-related, do you disagree, and then start pointing out other things you don’t like about yourself?

• Do you make negative comments about a body feature you share with your daughter?

You may realize that this is a great time to work on your self-image as well.

ANDROID APP ON

Send in your questions to Deb, and she might answer them in this column. Submit them to reallifecounseling@cox.net with ‘HerFamily’ in the subject line.

16 HerFamily • July 2013

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HerFamily • July 2013 17

feature story by Bailey Hemphill 窶｢ photos by Bill Sitzmann

Family Success Story The Codrs

From left: Maggie, 3, Jim, Nora, 3, Anna, 6, Emily, and Eddie, 2

18窶ォerFamily 窶｢ July 2013

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F

that Jim Codr wouldn’t wish on anyone—not even his worst enemy. “You just sort of float along indefinitely with no end in sight. You start to question what you are, what you want, and how bad you want it.”

Emily, his wife of nearly 10 years, agrees. “There was a time when we didn’t think we would be able to have any children,” she says. “Our biggest obstacle, as a couple, [was] the difficulty of starting a family.”

But then, one day, everything turned around for the Codrs. They were blessed with a daughter, Anna. And then twins Nora and Margaret. And then a son, Edward. All of these fairly back-to-back pregnancies were surprising.

“We got all sorts of raised eyebrows when we announced No. 4 was coming,” Emily adds.

What the Codrs didn’t realize was that the little blessings they had hoped for would turn out to be just as testing on their marriage as the fertility issues.

“Having four children under 4 made life very stressful,” Emily says. “We had heard that multiples put a lot of stress on a marriage, but we had no idea just how little time we would have for each other, let alone ourselves.”

Each day presents a new set of obstacles for Jim and Emily. Not only do they have to ready themselves for work every morning; they also have to feed, dress, and drop off their four kids at school and daycare. It’s quite the hassle already, but it can be even more taxing when the children don’t want to cooperate. “[It] requires a great deal of organization and pre-planning the night before,” Emily says.

Fortunately, Jim and Emily, who both grew up in Omaha, have plenty of support around them to take some of the edge off of raising four young children.

“We lived in Kansas City for about five years prior to moving [back] to Omaha. I came to work for my father,” Jim says. “We came to that decision ertility issues are something

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primarily because we [knew we] wanted to start having kids and thought the career move would be a better fit…Boy, I’m glad we did. The flexibility and benefits are huge.” Emily, too, has a flexible job that allows her to attend to the needs of her family when problems arise.

“We have an amazing network of people that have done nothing but help us along the way,” Emily says. “We have wonderful friends that didn’t forget about us when the days were long and hard caring for multiple babies…We often remark that life would be a whole lot more complicated for us outside of Omaha. [It’s] such a wonderful place to raise a family.”

When it comes to parenting, Jim and Emily try to stay away from the “divide and conquer” philosophy and focus more on working together. Leaving the house is a perfect example. Going anywhere with their children is one of the most hectic things they deal with on a regular basis, but they’ve gotten to the point where they have a system. “Logistically [for us], we simply need two adults minimum…It has sort of forced us to another level of parental participation,” Jim explains.

“We don’t have roles as parents. If something needs to be done, we just do it,” Emily adds.

“I disagree with Emily about roles. She has a role—just do everything!” Jim counters with a laugh. “But seriously, she is a really terrific mom and keeps the engine going. I’d be lost without her.”

Having so many young children so fast brought the family » HerFamily • July 2013 19

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20 HerFamily • July 2013

« closer together, in the Codrs’ opinion. Before they had kids, Jim and Emily had been more “carefree and freewheeling…even self-absorbed and a little immature.” Or, at least, that’s how Jim saw himself. Nevertheless, being parents has taught them many lessons.

“Being together is a priority for us,” Emily says. “We do most everything as a family, and we enjoy sharing experiences with each other. We [also] appreciate the ordinary days.”

“You learn what patience and determination really are,” Jim says. “It’s very easy to lay blame when things are going wrong, especially when they’re out of your control…You learn to stop hitting below the belt and lean on each other instead.” He adds that he admires his wife for her calm collectiveness. “I wish I had the grace under fire that she does.”

Although raising four children is quite enough to deem Jim and Emily saints in some people’s eyes, they don’t feel like they’re doing anything extraordinary. “We always wanted a big family…We may not be taking our kids on trips around the world, but at the end of the day, we tuck in four, healthy, balanced children whose parents love them and love each other,” Emily says.

Of course, the Codrs say their kids are just like other kids (in other words, they fight constantly). But in the end, they work well together and love one another.

“One of the coolest things about having several kids stacked together is that they have such an emotional attachment to each other,” adds Jim. “They always want to do things as a family.

They love the weekends and nicknamed it ‘family day’…Their sibling relationships are just as important as the child-parent relationships. We try to stress that.”

“From what we have been told, parenting doesn’t get any easier as the kids get older, but we are sharpening our teamwork skills every day, and life must be getting easier because we cannot imagine how we did it,” Emily says.

“Oh yeah,” Jim adds. “It never ends. But that’s part of the fun, right? You get better. The kids get better. We’re all learning how to cope with one another.” omahapublications.com

education

We’re hyper-local with or without the caffeine. www.Womego.com

story by Cindy Copich, M.S, EDAD

Finding a

Summer Tutor

A

three kids, I know the challenge of helping my own children with their homework—especially if they are really struggling. Even though I spent years as a classroom teacher, my own children seem immune to my “instructional savvy.” Instead of battling with them, I have chosen to turn to a tutor.

If you are considering hiring a tutor, I suggest reading Carole McGraw’s “Four Steps to Finding an Excellent Tutor for Your Child” on readingrockets.org. Here are a few of her suggestions in condensed form: First, ask for suggestions from your child’s teacher about what he or she needs to work on. Before you start, know what your child needs and the goal of tutoring.

Second, know your child. How does he or she learn best? Look for someone you think would connect with your child and make learning fun.

Third, research your options. Before heading to a tutoring company, consider all possibilities. Ask if there are free options available through your child’s school. Some schools provide time before or after school for review. If this isn’t available or doesn’t do the trick, ask the school counselor how you might find a tutor outside of the school environment. Asking friends, relatives, neighbors, the local high school, the local community college/university, or posting on Facebook may provide some great resources. Be sure to ask for a résumé to check credentials, look for teaching experience in the specific subject area, check references, and meet with the person before the first session.

It is wise to supervise the tutoring sessions until you and your child become more comfortable with the person.

Finally, think about how your child learns, and work with the tutor to design an age-appropriate learning plan. There are so many fun, innovative ways for children to review skills and content beyond the standard worksheet approach. Find what works best for your child.

Sometimes learning a new skill or reviewing missing areas is all about finding a different approach.

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s a parent of

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HerFamily • July 2013 21

fitness

submitted by Wendy Andersen • photos by Bill Sitzmann • modeled by Shaela Bruce

5-Minute Workout

Shoulder Bridge with Handweights

T

perfect to strengthen and stretch your glutes, hamstrings, obliques, hip flexors, and pectoral major. For this exercise, you will need small handweights (or something of an equivalent weight, like a half-gallon milk carton filled with water).

Wendy Andersen Co-owner at Pilates Center of Omaha Lead Instructor Trainer and Fully Certified STOTT PILATES® Instructor pilatescenterofomaha.com his shoulder bridge is

1 Setup & Starting Position

1. Get into bridge position with your pelvis and spine neutral, holding the weights in your hand.

2. Leave your left foot on the floor and keep your hips extended as you raise your right leg, pointing your toes to the ceiling.

2

Exercise

1. Inhale through your nose.

2. Exhale as you lower your right leg, reaching your arms out to your sides (palms facing up).

3. Inhale as you raise your right leg and your arms to the ceiling once more.

4. Repeat 5 times and switch sides.

22 HerFamily • July 2013

omahapublications.com

feature story by Bailey Hemphill • photo by Bill Sitzmann

Ty, 5, of Omaha

Swimming Safety Taking Precautions with Your Child

A

buddy. Don’t run around the pool. Only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Never leave a child alone near water. Don’t dive into water that’s not at least eight feet deep.

You’ve heard these rules before, but they are never more important than when supervising children around water.

According to the National Safety Council, Nebraska Chapter, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimated an annual average of 5,200 pool- or spa-related submersion injuries for children younger than 15 from 2009 to 2011, with 66 percent of those injuries being represented by children between ages 1-3. Even more frightening is that most drowning and near-drowning incidents occur when children are left alone in the water or fall into the water without knowing how to swim.

Parents should always be cautious and constantly watching children around water, but there’s another way to prevent water-related injuries—swimming lessons.

There are plenty of places around Omaha where you can sign your family up for swimming lessons—including Aqua-Tots Swim Schools, Swimtastic Swim School, DiVentures, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Little Waves Family Swimming School, and more.

When is the best time to get children into swimming lessons? “I believe the earlier, the better,” says Mike McKamy, owner and manager of Little Waves Family Swim School in West Omaha. “We start children at 6 months [because] children as young as 1 can learn to float on lways swim with a

readonlinenow.com

their backs if they fall in the water. We see a lot of 3- and 4-year-olds starting, too.”

Little Waves strives to provide a fun, comfortable, and safe environment for families to learn swimming techniques. Lessons are available for all ages—babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kids, and adults. There are even pre-competitive classes and triathlon stroke clinics for more advanced swimmers.

When it comes to swimming, McKamy agrees that children should never swim without supervision; however, he does think that the supervision can be less hands-on as children’s swimming skills improve.

“They can get in the pool by themselves when they are able to float on their back and swim comfortably across the pool and back, [and] they should be able to breathe without effort when swimming over and back. But I always tell children they should never get in the water unless an adult is watching them.”

As for lifejackets and flotation devices, McKamy believes they’re necessary for nonswimmers to be safe around pools or lakes, but they’re not helpful to a child learning how to swim.

“A child who learns to swim with a flotation device can become very comfortable in the water with one. But when they become too comfortable with one and forget they don’t have it on, they [might] jump in without knowing how to swim. It’s best for children to learn how to float and swim without one so, if they fall in, they know exactly what to do.”

McKamy also thinks it’s a good idea for parents to receive CPR training. “Hopefully, you’ll never use it, but a 4- to 8-hour class may help you save the life of your own child or some other child or adult.”

For more information about Little Waves Family Swim School, visit littlewavesfamilyswimschool.com or call 402-932-2030.

HerFamily • July 2013 23

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Curfew

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urfew establishes freedom

trust. It’s one of the many building blocks to adulthood.

Getting that taste of freedom is what every teenager craves. It’s a huge responsibility, but that is what makes freedom so worth it.

As for my own curfew, my parents are very laidback. They don’t have a set time for me to be home. The important thing to them is that they know where I am at all times. My parents have placed a tremendous amount of trust in me, and I would never disobey them.

I enjoy having the freedom of no curfew with few exceptions, and I don’t want that privilege to be revoked.

Of course, on school nights, there is a curfew. My parents don’t want me to stay out late on a school night, unless it is for a school event. During the summer, they don’t mind me being out as long as, again, they know what I am doing at all times.

I think it’s important for teenagers to have some freedom with friends. It gives them a taste of what it would be like to live on their own. They also have to manage that responsibility of earning or building on the trust of their parents.

Curfew is important, especially for teenagers. It’s another responsibility to manage, but it’s a stepping-stone to adulthood and making bigger, independent choices in life. Having some rules set in place as the foundation and building trust is a good idea. Freedom is important to teenagers, and it prepares them for the future. and

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24 HerFamily • July 2013

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young hero story by Bailey Hemphill

MUSIC WEEKEND

AUGUST

23&24 FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

Audrey as a premature infant

Young Hero: Audrey Hansen

F

6:35pm

CONCERT UNCLE KRACKER

riendly, caring , and determined

Audrey Hansen, 18, recently graduated from Bennington Jr./Sr. High School where she played volleyball for four years. She loves to socialize with friends and meet new people.

Although she has faced plenty of challenges with her cerebral palsy, nothing has stopped Audrey from helping others.

For her senior project, she raised money to purchase a kangaroo chair for UNMC’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). “It all started when I heard on the radio about Children’s Hospital here in Omaha having a radio-thon for kangaroo chairs that are priced at $1,500.”

The kangaroo chair that Audrey’s project helped purchase allows a mother and her premature newborn to interact through close, comfortable, skin-to-skin contact when the newborn can’t leave the hospital.

Audrey says she chose to raise money to benefit premature infants and their mothers because she, herself, was born premature, weighing only 1lb. 7oz. “I was born at 24 weeks of gestation—or at six months of pregnancy…All my family could do at that time was touch me, but it was very limited touching because I burned a lot of calories necessary for growth and weight gain.”

When Audrey’s mom, Denise Heppner, was finally able to hold her, she was a little over a month old. “It was called a ‘kangaroo hold,’” Audrey explains. “This is a skin-to-skin contact next to the chest that provides warmth and a heartbeat connection. It has been proven that a more rapid weight gain is observed through kangaroo care.”

Heppner is not surprised at all that her daughter wants to help people. “She has a soft spot for anybody else with a disability,” she says. “She’s such a sweet girl.” She says that Audrey even comes to Pine Creek Elementary in Bennington—where Heppner is a secretary—to read to the children because she loves being around kids.

Audrey inspires her mom on a daily basis because “she doesn’t look for a way out, and she doesn’t use her disability as a crutch.” Above all, Audrey has taught Heppner to be a better listener for people who need to be heard. “Just giving five minutes of your time is enough. The time that you can share is valuable because it always means a lot to someone, and she’s shown me that.”

As for Audrey’s future, she plans to attend Metropolitan Community College in the fall. “I want to have a college degree and a well-paying job that I enjoy doing,” she says of her goals. “I always want to keep pace with others my age in spite of having cerebral palsy.” readonlinenow.com

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402.738.5100 HerFamily • July 2013 25

feature story by Cherie Lytle, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center • photo provided by Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Light and Easy Chicken Salad

W

is on, light and easy tend to guide the menu. This healthy salad recipe is lower in fat and calories than traditional chicken salad. Crunchy walnuts and sweet red grapes enhance the taste and deliver a nutrient boost. hen the summer heat

Ingredients • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts • ⅓ cup reduced-fat mayonnaise • 2 Tbsp fat-free sour cream • ½ cup quartered, seedless red grapes • ¼ cup walnuts, chopped • 2 green onions, chopped • 2 tsp lemon juice • 1 Tbsp chopped cloves • 2 tsp tarragon • black pepper to taste • red leaf lettuce leaves for serving Preparation 1. Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Let cool.

2. Chop chicken into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer to a medium bowl.

3. Add remaining ingredients except lettuce leaves and toss to combine well. Serve on lettuce leaves.

Yield: 6 servings

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1/2 cup Calories: 180 Fat: 10g Saturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 50mg Sodium: 166mg Carbohydrates: 5g Fiber: 0 Protein: 19g * Nutritional information is based on ingredients listed and serving size; any additions or substitutions to ingredients may alter the recipe’s nutritional content.

For more healthy recipes, visit HealthyKohlsKids.com. The Healthy Kohl’s Kids program is a partnership between Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and Kohl’s Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness.

26 HerFamily • July 2013

omahapublications.com

food prepared by Bailey Hemphill • photo by Bill Sitzmann

Banana Crumb Muffins and Orange Fizz

Orange Fizz

Ingredients (makes 1 drink): • ice cubes • 1 cup orange juice • ⅓ cup tonic water • 1 tsp lemon juice Directions: 1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.

2. Pour in orange juice, tonic water, and lemon juice.

3. Stir and serve.

Banana Crumb Muffins

Ingredients (makes 10 muffins): • 1½ cup + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour • ⅓ cup + 1 Tbsp butter • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp salt

• 3 bananas, mashed • ¾ cup white sugar • 1 egg, lightly beaten • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar • ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly grease 10 muffin cups or line with muffin papers.

3. In a large bowl, mix 1½ cups flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

4. In another bowl, beat together bananas, white sugar, egg, and ⅓ cup melted butter.

5. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture until moistened, and then spoon combined mixture into muffin cups.

6. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 Tbsp flour, and ground cinnamon. Add 1 Tbsp of butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.

Sprinkle topping over muffins.

7. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted into center of muffin comes out clean). readonlinenow.com

Sources: allrecipes.com HerFamily • July 2013 27

cover feature story by Bailey Hemphill • photos by Bill Sitzmann and John Gawley

Kim Sitzmann of Omaha plays with daughter Parker, 2, and son Ty, 5, at Louisville State Recreation Area, Neb.

Family Camping

Bonding with Nature and Each Other

T

here’s something about lying

under the stars in a sleeping bag surrounded by trees and chirping crickets that’s calming. It’s the spirit of camping—that feeling of being completely absorbed in the wonders of nature.

It’s also a feeling that many people don’t experience anymore. Some say it’s because they don’t care much for being outdoors; others say it’s because they’d miss the comforts of home too much; and still others say it’s because they don’t have the patience to spend that amount of “quality time” alone with their families.

28 HerFamily • July 2013

omahapublications.com

But ask any campinvolved in things, so er, and they’ll tell you we’ll try to get out as that you’re missing much as we can, but out on a peaceful exit depends more on perience, one that all schedules—swimfamily members can ming lessons, soccer, benefit from and apand everything else.” preciate.

They have a Papillion firefighter few camping trips Michael Borden, 33, planned for this sumis a big proponent of mer, so long as the camping. While growweather cooperates. ing up in Harlan and “I wish we did it more Underwood, Iowa, he often,” he says. “But went camping often it’s nice during the with his parents and summer because I grandparents.

“My have odd hours [as a grandparents had a firefighter], and Tracy Winnebago at a spot is a teacher, so she has near Stanton [Iowa],” Nick and Elizabeth Bullington on a family camping trip outside the Amana Colonies in the entire summer off. he says. “They slept Iowa before the birth of son Reese.

We can go out on a inside while we slept Wednesday during outside in a tent. We’d set up all season long on the weekends with them, the summer instead of a weekend, which is usually busier.” so I have a lot of fond memories of camping.”

Borden believes it’s good for kids and their parents to spend time Borden says that, while he could do without the bugs, he still outdoors because it’s a perfect opportunity to be together as a famthoroughly enjoys camping as an adult. “My idea of camping is a ily. “We just got Ella an iPod Touch for her birthday, and she always backpack and maybe a tent. Just hiking out where we won’t see anywants to be listening to music, playing games, and texting friends. I body and spend a couple of days out there.” His wife, Tracy, however, remember playing when I was a kid. We didn’t have cell phones or doesn’t share the same view of camping. “If it were up to her, she computers. There’s almost too much accessibility with that stuff, so it’s would have an RV and be out at Mahoney [State Park] with a swimnice to get away from all of it and just be in the moment.” ming pool and activities for the family.”

Like Borden, Elkhorn native Elizabeth Bullington, 27, grew up Borden explains their different takes on camping reflect their differcamping. “It’s always been a part of the family tradition,” she says. ent personalities. “She’s the worrier and likes to plan things. I’m more Bullington’s brother, uncles, and grandfather were all Eagle Scouts, so go-with-the-flow and just like ‘whatever’…but we usually comproher family has been very involved with the Boy Scouts, which meant mise. We’ll take the car out and set up tents. We find middle ground.” plenty of camping opportunities.

But it’s not just Borden and his wife that go out camping. They also “One camping trip I’ll always remember was a Boy Scouts outing bring their two daughters, Ella, 8, and Ayda, 6, who enjoy creating my sister and I went on with our dad and the scouts,” Bullington rememories while family camping. calls. “It was almost wintertime, so it was really cold. My sister and I “Two years ago when we were camping, the cicadas were coming were sleeping together to keep warm, and our dad came in and tucked out, and the shells were everywhere,” remembers Borden. “My oldest, us in to make sure we’d stay warm. The next morning, our bodies were Ella, was 5 or 6. I consider her to be the girlier of my two, but she warm, but our heads were freezing,” she laughs. thought the shells were so neat.

Bullington, who now works as a program supervisor with Child“She had a friend there, too, and both of them were filling all of hood Autism Services, says camping is a tradition that she’s been able the cupholders in our camping chairs with the shells. It’s fun to watch to share with her husband, Nick, and almost 2-year-old son Reese. kids go camping because they see things so differently—like every“I think a lot of people find it hard these days to go camping bething is just fascinating.” cause of the comfort issue. [Nick and I] have a queen air mattress in The family used to go camping nearly every free weekend, spending our tent, but sometimes people in my family like to sleep under the a lot of their time out at Two Rivers State Park, but Borden says it’s stars in sleeping bags. We’ve done a camper once before, but we prefer harder to go camping now because his daughters are older. “They’re a tent because it feels more like camping.” » readonlinenow.com

HerFamily • July 2013 29

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2020 N. 72nd St. | Omaha 30 HerFamily • July 2013

« For Bullington, it was easy to share this experience with Nick because his entire family camps also, gathering every year at Ponca State Park for an annual camping trip.

In fact, the idea of doing an annual family camping trip spread to Bullington’s family as well. “My parents wanted to find something we could all do, and we thought, ‘Let’s go camping!’”

Bullington says she and her family are planning to meet for their annual camping trip in Clear Lake, Iowa, this July, and she’s looking forward to it. She and Nick have gone on the family trip for the last three years. “We try to choose somewhere between Madison, Wis., and Omaha because my sister lives in Madison and the rest of us live here. We’ve camped in Iowa the past few years.”

The annual trip became a lot more special for Bullington when she was able to bring Reese, even though he was still fairly young when he went for the first time last year.

“We’re not going to let the age of our child stop us from camping. The way we see it, he’ll adapt to the outdoors just as we do,” she says.

Though Reese wasn’t yet walking the first time they went camping, Bullington says it was fairly easy to take him with on the trip.

He slept on his changing pad in the tent with them, and they brought toys to keep him entertained while they were inside and outside of their tent. “We didn’t do a whole lot of water activities or hiking, but you have to give up some of the things you like to do to include family. [But] that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun.”

Bullington agrees that society’s dependence on technology has made it difficult to get children (and even other adults) to spend time outdoors. But she maintains, it’s an essential part of childhood. “There’s something about being lost in nature that develops imagination and other useful skills. It’s important for kids to discover the outside and learn to relax and have fun.” omahapublications.com

photos by Bill Sitzmann

modeled by Megan and Alice Hunt special thanks to Fontenelle Forest

Into the

Megan, 26, shows off her youthful, freespirited, summer style with outfits from her local retail business, Hello Holiday, on an outing with her daughter, Alice, 3.

Megan wears Perfect Picnic Dress. readonlinenow.com

HerFamily • July 2013 31

Megan wears Jade Walk Peplum Top and Cream Soda Skirt.

32窶ォerFamily 窶｢ July 2013

omahapublications.com

Megan wears In the Navy Dress.

readonlinenow.com

HerFamily • July 2013 33

Megan wears Twin Palms Blouse, Roxy Slouchy Slim Fit Jeans, and Audrey Ballet Flats.

34窶ォerFamily 窶｢ July 2013

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beauty story by Mary Quinn • photo by Bill Sitzmann

Tattoo Removal

T

stigmatized as being unclean and unsafe due to a slew of bad experiences many have had in the past. Fortunately, tattoos today are mostly safe when the right precautions are taken. Professional shops now ensure all tools are sterilized, and tattoo artists are far more trustworthy. Body modification has truly made its way into the mainstream, and tattoos are looked at by many as personalized art for the body.

But when your child asks why you have a snake tattoo on your ankle when it’s supposed to be a rose, or when you still have a tattoo of someone’s name that isn’t a current spouse or significant other, it’s probably time for tattoo removal.

Bare Body Shop in Rockbrook Village describes the process on their website: “A Q-switched laser directs pulses of light onto the tattoo and breaks up the tattoo pigment, which is then removed by the body’s natural filtering system.” The Bare Body Shop specializes in tattoo removal and bases the cost of each removal on the size attoos have long been

36 HerFamily • July 2013

omahapublications.com

Big & Li’l Diggers • Li’l Diggers • Leagues • Lessons • Camps

and color of the tattoo. The shop also offers the option for a series of sessions when a tattoo is larger or more colorful.

At Skin Specialists, board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic cosmetic surgeon Joel Schlessinger, M.D. offers customers several tattoo-removal options. A consultation is required before treatment, and the removal technique is usually dictated primarily by the tattoo color, rather than by its design or size.

Black is one of the easier colors to remove, while colors such as yellow, white, and green are more difficult. Skin Specialists has offered tattoo removal for 16 years, and just as every tattoo is different, so is each treatment.

While time under the laser can be relatively short, preparations for treatment can take quite a bit longer; therefore, the staff encourages clients to bring a book.

The level of pain one experiences during a removal and the speed at which each person’s skin heals can vary greatly as well. Many patients describe the removal process as feeling like a rubber band is snapping on the skin, while others claim it is just as painful as getting the tattoo in the first place. Either way, it’s not a pleasant experience—you’re in for a less-than-stellar afternoon.

Schlessinger’s LovelySkin website recommends covering up your newly removed tattoo with clothing, especially if you are in the process of removal through a series of treatments. This way, the sun’s harmful rays do not interrupt the removal process.

Tattoo removal can sometimes be a long, difficult process, but it can definitely be beneficial in the end. So when you can no longer bear the sight of a tattoo of your once-favorite band or your now ex-boyfriend’s name, consider tattoo removal. The process is safe, efficient, and can be money well-spent. readonlinenow.com

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salon & spa 658 N. 114th Street • 402.493.1557 w w w. a s h e a r t h i n g s a l o n . c o m HerFamily • July 2013 37

feature story by Bailey Hemphill 窶｢ photos by Bill Sitzmann

The Hancock Menagerie Two Kids and Four Pets

From top left: Chris, Trevor, 13, Kim, and Sydney, 11, Hancock

38窶ォerFamily 窶｢ July 2013

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Henrietta

Ernie

Pooh Bear

C

Kim Hancock and their kids, Trevor, 13, and Sydney, 11, are an active family. “There’s always something going on,” Kim says. The kids go to school in the Omaha Public Schools district; Trevor plays baseball for Keystone, and Sydney swims with the Metro Omaha Swim Team.

With the kids so involved in extracurricular activities and Chris and Kim both working full-time jobs, it’s hard for the family to catch a moment together. “After we get back home from everything, it’s late by the time we eat, so we all kind of separate and go off to do our own things.”

But one thing brings them together during their hectic schedule—the love for their family pets.

The Hancocks have four pets: a Russian tortoise named Henrietta, a guinea pig named Ernie, a hamster named Pooh Bear, and a Boxer named Bella.

Bella was the family’s first pet. Chris had always wanted a Boxer, so when he and Kim found Bella on Craigslist, they felt like she was meant to be theirs.

“Right when we got her, she got super sick with pneumonia, and we nursed her back to health,” Kim explains. “She’s been our baby ever since.”

Being like another child in the family is the reason why Bella’s inoperable cancer diagnosis hit home so hard. “We found out last year,” Kim says. “They could’ve done an expensive biopsy and leg reconstruction, but we decided instead of putting her through treatments and all of the pain that we would just enjoy the time we still have with her. As long as she seems happy, that’s enough for us.” She adds that Bella used to sleep in a kennel, but the moment they heard about her cancer, she began sleeping in bed with her and Chris.

With Henrietta, Trevor’s tortoise, Kim says they got her after “his fish committed suicide,” she laughs. “We wanted something that wouldn’t die so easily, so we did some research and learned that tortoises have long lives. They’re also low-maintenance.”

Ernie the guinea pig and Pooh Bear the hamster came along after Sydney got familiar with her friends’ pets and wanted some of her own. “She actually hris and

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Bella

had another guinea pig and hamster before now, but they passed, so these are the new ones,” Kim says.

“Our rule with getting the kids pets has always been that they have to be able to hold them comfortably at the pet store and not get squeamish; otherwise we won’t buy them.” That’s because, in the Hancock family, the kids are the primary caretakers of the pets. “They clean out the cages once a month, make sure the animals are fed, let us know when food supply is getting low—they’re completely responsible.”

Sydney, especially, is very nurturing of her pets. “On Mother’s Day, she made a comment about how she wanted to get herself something because she thinks she’s a mother to her pets,” Kim says. “She also keeps cages for them down in the basement all the time because she’s very concerned about tornadoes.”

Kim didn’t realize how much Sydney loves her pets until after her first guinea pig passed away. “She cried and cried, and she truly mourned her pet like it was a family member or her child. I don’t want to say it’s funny, but there’s something very sweet about how emotional she gets.”

Apparently, Sydney also has a tendency to throw elaborate funerals for each of the family’s lost pets. “She plans the burial. We have a service with speeches where we each say something special about the pet, and then there are flowers and songs. She even bakes a cake for a little reception after.

They don’t last long, but they’re very…quirky,” Kim laughs.

Kim thinks that having pets really makes their family feel more complete and teaches her children valuable lessons. “It helps the kids understand responsibility. They learn how to show love and take care of something other than themselves.

“I think having pets makes us a little less selfish.”

HerFamily • July 2013 39

health extra story by Bailey Hemphill

Watch Out for Heat Stroke

M

ost people— especially those of

us who know how muggy and hot Nebraska summers can be—have suffered from heat exhaustion at least once. It usually hits us after we’ve spent too much time outdoors in the blazing sun and haven’t been drinking enough fluids to keep us properly hydrated.

Heat exhaustion is pretty easy to recognize. Muscles cramp up, fatigue sets in, and sometimes lightheadedness or fainting can occur. But never write off heat exhaustion as “not that big of a deal” because it can be a precursor to a more serious heat injury called heat stroke.

Robert Muelleman, M.D., Chair of Emergency Medicine in the Department of Emergency Medicine at UNMC, explains that heat stroke usually causes alteration or damage to a person’s mental state. “It could be as mild as confusion or as severe as seizures,” he says. “Heat stroke damages a lot of different organs—brain, heart, liver, kidneys. That’s why it can be so deadly.”

Dr. Muelleman categorizes heat stroke into two types: classic heat stroke 40 HerFamily • July 2013

and exertion heat stroke. “Classic heat stroke is the one you read about during a heat wave in the summer. It typically affects elderly people with chronic medical conditions, like diabetes, hypertension, or emphysema. The issue there isn’t necessarily the daytime highs but rather the nighttime lows.

If the temperature doesn’t drop below 80° for 72 hours, that’s when we’ll see classic heat stroke. The body doesn’t have a chance to cool down.”

Exertion heat stroke, however, can happen to anybody, and it doesn’t even have to be that hot outside. It’s more about the heat index, explains Dr. Muelleman. “Heat index takes into account the humidity. If the heat index rises above 105°, then everyone is at risk. If it rises above 115°, then athletic and outdoor events really should be canceled.” With exertion heat stroke, it’s a matter of whether or not your body is unable to dissipate the heat or is generating too much heat.

When the body’s temperature control is overwhelmed, it can’t effectively cool down the body. Sweating is the normal response to overheating, but several factors can inhibit the body’s ability to cool itself—things like high humidity, obesity, fever, mental illness, poor circulation, heart disease, sunburn, and prescription drug or alcohol use.

Healthy children and adults are susceptible to heat stroke exertion in the summer because working in the heat or participating in summer sports can put them at risk. Babies, too— especially those left in cars when it’s hot. “Car temperatures rise so fast,” Dr. Muelleman says. “It’s extremely dangerous to leave a baby in the car during the summer.”

As for the symptoms of heat stroke, the Mayo Clinic recognizes the following: • High body temperature—usually 104°F (40°C) or higher • Lack of sweat • Nausea and vomiting • Flushed skin • Rapid breathing • Racing heart rate • Headache • Confusion • Seizures • Unconsciousness • Muscle cramps or weakness If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, immediately call 911 or transport them to the hospital. Any delay seeking medical help can be fatal. While waiting for aid, move the person to an air-conditioned environment and attempt to cool them down by removing unnecessary clothing, fanning air over them, wetting skin with cool water from a cloth or sponge, or applying ice packs. omahapublications.com

auto care

story by Darcie Dingman

v

Roadside Emergency Services

I

t ’s

July, and summertime is in full effect. This also means plenty of family road trips, most of which go off without a major hitch. However, if something does go wrong with your vehicle, it can make for a giant headache. Not to worry though, there are emergency roadside services out there that can help.

It may be well worth it to buy emergency roadside coverage in the event that you do have car trouble. Some of the services that these companies provide are: • Battery boosts • Battery replacement • Fuel delivery • Tire service • Towing • Lock-out services The issues listed above can happen to anyone, yet are always unexpected. Prepare for the unexpected and make sure to either purchase an emergency roadside service or, at the very least, have the phone number of one such service. We are fortunate that these services are available to us, and one just might come in handy when that giant headache shows up! readonlinenow.com

Have your cake.

And eat it, too.

Dining. Family.

Fun. Health & Beauty.

Household. Retail.

Services. Transportation.

HerFamily • July 2013 41

moms’ getaway story by Linda Persigehl

Get Your Game On!

Sand volleyball leagues offer a great workout and courtside social time.

S

a real challenge for a busy mom, particularly when she spends a good chunk of her day behind a desk at work or playing chauffeur to active kids.

So, too, can finding time for socializing with friends, who often have similarly hectic schedules that make planning a get-together nearly impossible.

Committing to play in a weekly beach volleyball league is an ideal way busy moms can ensure they get regular, quality exercise time in the outdoors, while at the same time enjoying a few hours socializing with teammates. It’s scheduled “me time” with physical fitness built in!

The Digz, a beach volleyball facility at 4428 S. 140th St. in Omaha, is a popular destination for many who enjoy the bump, set, spike sport. The sports arena features eight outdoor sand taying fit can be

42 HerFamily • July 2013

volleyball courts and, beginning this summer, four indoor/outdoor sand courts that can be enclosed during the colder months.

The Digz offers sand volleyball leagues year-round. New sessions of six-on-six recreational co-ed leagues, and four-on-four competitive leagues start every eight to nine weeks. Games are scheduled Sunday through Friday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Courts are lit for omahapublications.com

nighttime play, and the facility also features a sports bar and grill, so players can catch a bite before or after a game or spend a bit more adult time catching up over a beverage.

Manager Mary Nabity says Digz sees about 400-600 players each night for league play during its summer session, which runs through Aug. 11. “We’ve been open now about eight years,” she says. “People really enjoy it. It can get crazy-busy here some nights, but it’s a lot of fun.”

Sempeck’s Bowling and Entertainment Center, at 20902 Cumberland Rd. in Elkhorn, offers its Sandbaggers Beach Volleyball in three sessions: spring leagues run April 21-June 20; summer leagues run June 21-Aug. 20; and fall leagues run Aug. 21-Oct. 15. Recreational, intermediate, and power play leagues are all offered, as are women-only and co-ed team play. Games run Monday through Friday from 6:30 p.m. on, and on Sundays beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The Sandbaggers’ facility, which opened in spring 2012, features six outdoor courts, all with nighttime lighting and automated scoring. A nearby playground allows older kids to enjoy some outdoor playtime during Mom’s matches (though it’s unsupervised). A horseshoe court and beanbag games are nearby as well. After games, Sempeck’s large, outdoor patio offers guests full-menu service and features live entertainment on Friday nights in the summer.

Owner Steve Sempeck says more than 180 teams were registered to play in the center’s spring leagues this year—that’s double last year’s team count. “We anticipate our summer leagues will fill to capacity with 275 teams,” he adds. “That’s about 1,500 players.”

Sempeck says Sandbaggers attracts a wide array of players. “Everyone from young singles just out of college to old guys like me in their 50s,” he jokes. “The majority are here for the recreational leagues and the social aspects of play. But we do have a power league—two on two, just like in the Olympics—and they’re in it competitively. They’re great to watch.”

This spring, Omahan Vicki Voet joined a beach volleyball league after a long absence from the game. “I just started back in April,” she says. “I had been in a league about 20 years ago with my husband, Perry, at the Ranch Bowl—before kids.”

Now an empty nester, Voet says she was looking for a way to reconnect with her interests and friends.

“I have been trying to find myself since the kids left for college,” Voet shares. “Volleyball is something I’ve always enjoyed…it’s very competitive and requires endurance, and exercise is very important to me. It’s great because [playing again] allows me to be with my friends and socialize at the same time. And I enjoy playing as a team.”

Since joining the spring league, Voet says she’s thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “The weather is usually good, and I love being outdoors. And it’s something I look forward to each week. We all just get out there to have fun!”

The Digz 4428 S. 140th St. 402-896-2775 thedigz.com

business. entertainment. family. food & drink. health. home. lifestyle. style.

art. at home. auto. beauty. beer, cocktails & wine. before & after. business profiles. calendar of events. chefs. coffee & tea. diy project. downtown. education. entrepreneurs. ethics. family activities. fashion. finance & real estate. fitness. galas. galleries & museums. home happenings. home improvement. hot products. in the office. leaders. music. neighborhoods. new home businesses. news. nightlife. nonprofits. nutrition. opinion. parenting. people. people on the rise. pets. places. q&a spotlight. recreation. restaurants. retirement. reviews. social media. sports. stylists. teen voices. theatre. young hero.

Sempeck’s Bowling & Entertainment Center 20902 Cumberland Dr. 402-289-4614 sempecks.com readonlinenow.com

HerFamily • July 2013 43

@

Visit our l an ds c a p e s up p ly ya r d at 5601 Harr ison S tr eet 窶｢ Om a h a , N E 68157

402.932.5704 omahafriendlyservices.com 窶｢ sunvalleyomaha.com

44窶ォerFamily 窶｢ July 2013

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Calendar of Events

Yoga Rocks the Park Photo by Bill Sitzmann

A T-Rex Named Sue Photo provided by The Field Museum/John Weinstein

Jazz on the Green

Photo by John Gawley

A weekly, all-levels yoga class led by highly regarded local and national yoga instructors, accompanied by live music.

SUN/4PM FREE ($5 DONATION RECOMMENDED) TURNER PARK AT MIDTOWN CROSSING, 31ST-33RD & FARNAM-DODGE STS. MIDTOWNCROSSING.COM

Get friendly with giant robotic bugs in this largerthan-life exhibit presented by Mutual of Omaha.

TU-F/10AM-4PM; SAT/9AM-5PM; SUN/1-5PM $9 ADULTS & KIDS, FREE FOR MEMBERS & KIDS UNDER 2 OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 500 S. 20TH ST. OCM.ORG • 402-342-6164

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 8

Created by Chicago’s Field Museum, this exhibit explores how the remarkable Tyrannosaurus Rex interacted with its world.

TU/10AM-8PM; W-SAT/10AM-5PM; SUN/1-5PM $9 ADULTS, $6 AGES 3-12, FREE FOR MEMBERS & KIDS UNDER 2 DURHAM MUSEUM, 801 S. 10TH ST. DURHAMMUSEUM.ORG • 402-444-5071

JULY 4

Seward is home to Nebraska’s and the United States’ official small-town Fourth of July celebration, an event that attracts more than 40,000 visitors with a full day of activities, entertainment, and craft fairs.

THROUGH JULY 21

YOGA ROCKS THE PARK

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 8

IT’S A BUG’S WORLD

A T-REX NAMED SUE

ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

JULY 11 – AUGUST 15

Six-week concert series presented by Omaha Performing Arts.

JULY 19-28

Join more than 12,000 athletes from 500 Nebraska cities competing in an amateur sports festival, featuring more than 60 sports, a statewide torch run, and an Olympic-style opening ceremony.

JAZZ ON THE GREEN

29TH ANNUAL CORNHUSKER STATE GAMES

JULY 20

TODDLER NUTRITION

JULY 20

OMAHA KIDS’ TRIATHLON

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Hour-long session discussing what nutrients are essential for toddlers, how many calories a growing child should consume, what foods toddlers should avoid, and more.

Kids ages 6-14 can participate in age-appropriate distances with an emphasis on fitness, fun, and safety.

SEWARD, NEB. JULYFOURTHSEWARD.COM 402-643-4189

TH/7:30PM FREE TURNER PARK AT MIDTOWN CROSSING, 31ST-33RD & FARNAM-DODGE STS. MIDTOWNCROSSING.COM VARIOUS VENUES OMAHA & LINCOLN CORNHUSKERSTATEGAMES.COM 402-471-2544

10-11AM BOYS TOWN NATIONAL RESEARCH HOSPITAL 14000 HOSPITAL RD. BOYSTOWNPEDIATRICS.ORG

CUNNINGHAM LAKE, 96TH ST. & STATE HWY. 36 RACEOMAHA.COM • 402-548-4258

HerFamily • July 2013 45

on the go! story by Alexis Abel, Nebraska Travel & Tourism photo provided by Nebraska Travel & Tourism

Find us on Facebook and be sure to like us while you’re there!

Hit the Trails

A

Nebraska to inspire your family to get out and play together. Experience miles of renowned bike trails and hiking paths that wind through scenic splendor and offer breathtaking views.

COVER Nebraska is crisscrossed with dirt, gravel, and hard-surface trails that will guide you through some of the most beautiful parts of the state. So load up the bikes, lace up your hiking boots, and get the family moving.

One of the state’s premier destinations for trail seekers is Chadron State Park, tucked into the northwest corner of Nebraska.

Mountain bikers come from far and wide to ride what are considered to be the top singleand dual-track destinations in the nation.

If hiking is more your style, head to Toadstool Geologic Park north of Crawford, Neb. Here, you will discover an unexpected, lunar-like terrain that’s perfect for exploring.

Or take in the natural beauty and winding trails of western Nebraska’s Wildcat Hills COVER State Recreation Area near Gering, Neb. Here, trekkers will discover rocky buttes and picture-perfect wilderness virtually unaffected by the passing of time.

The eastern end of the state offers a bounty of outdoor adventure as well. Hikers and bikers alike will enjoy the Cowboy Trail between Norfolk and Chadron, the nation’s longest rail-to-trail project in progress. The llow the beauty of

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46 HerFamily • July 2013

trail’s signature sites are its long bridges that offer spectacular views.

For mountain bikers, the Steamboat Trace Hike/Bike Trail along the Missouri River or the more metropolitan MoPac Trail West in Lincoln are great choices for an invigorating excursion.

Despite being surrounded by nearly a million people, Bellevue’s Fontenelle Forest is a haven of deep solitude with 17 miles of walking trails. In North Omaha, Neale Woods Nature Center’s nine miles of trails weave through heavy forests, hilltop prairies, and riverside woodlands.

With a state park system that stretches from border to border, you don’t have to go far to find quality trails. Spend a weekend camping at Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area or rent a cabin or teepee at Platte River State Park—parks near the metro that offer several hiking and biking trails. Indian Cave State Park is almost 30 minutes southeast of Nebraska City, Neb., and near the city of Shubert on the Missouri River. It’s a 3,052-acre region that’s ruggedly pristine and has 22 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Hundreds of trails are waiting for you to explore, so go to VisitNebraska.com to find one to tackle today. Or order the new Nebraska Bicycle Map at transportation.nebraska.gov.

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